Wondering when is the best time to visit Malta and Gozo?
Summers are perfect for lazy afternoons by the sea, but you might find it a little too hot (and crowded!). Meanwhile, winters are ideal for exploring the island’s coastline and countryside.
In this post, I highlight the pros and cons of visiting Malta in summer, autumn, winter, and spring. I’ve also included a list of must-do’s for every season. Let’s dive right in!
Visiting Malta in summer
If you visit Malta in summer, you’re guaranteed nice weather throughout the entire trip. However, be prepared for some rain and the occasional storm if you’re visiting in September.
Maltese summers are very, very hot. Malta is also very crowded during the summer months. You would need to head to the beach very early to get a decent spot.
Popular attractions like Valletta and Mdina are also very busy in summer, and there’s nothing worse than being stuck in crowded places in the searing summer heat.
Best things to do in Malta in summer
Still thinking of visiting Malta in summer? Here’s how to have fun in the sun!
Hit the beach
You should only visit Malta in summer if you love the beach, or just want to lie by the pool all day.
There are several beautiful beaches in Malta and Gozo. However, popular beaches like St. George’s Bay in St. Julian’s, Golden Bay in Ghajn Tuffieha and Ghadira Bay in Mellieha will be very crowded in summer.
Thankfully, there are some lesser-known beaches which you can enjoy, including Mgiebah Bay and Little Armier in Mellieha, and San Blas Bay in Gozo.
Go on a boat party
If you’re a party animal and a sun-seeker, you’ll love Malta’s boat parties. The boats normally leave from Sliema Ferries and sail along Malta’s eastern coast. Most summer boat parties take place in the evening.
Take a trip to Comino
If you enjoy boat travel and don’t mind spending all day in the sun, I highly recommend taking a boat trip to Comino.
While almost all boat companies stop at the Blue Lagoon, some of them also make stops at Gozo and hidden sea caves along the coast.
Best summer festivals & events in Malta
In summer, various villages and towns across Malta and Gozo celebrate the feast of their patron saint. Known locally as festas, these religious celebrations feature spectacular fireworks, band marches and processions with the statue of the patron saint.
Another traditional summer celebration is l-Imnarja, which is one of the oldest feasts in Malta. It’s celebrated on the 29th of June in Buskett (a woodland near Rabat) and includes a farmers’ market, traditional music, and various agricultural events.
Other amazing Malta festivals that take place in summer include Earth Garden, an alternative music festival held in June, the Malta International Food Festival (July), Malta Jazz Festival (July) and the Malta International Arts Festival (June).
Visiting Malta in autumn
My favourite thing about autumn in Malta is the weather. Octobers are normally warm enough for a swim – and you get to have the whole beach to yourself!
Autumn is the best time to visit Malta if you want to avoid the crowds and still enjoy some nice weather.
The only downside to visiting Malta in autumn is the occasional heavy storm, which can last a day or two. However, thunderstorms in Malta can be very spectacular, so just grab a coffee and enjoy the show!
Best things to do in Malta in autumn
Thinking of visiting Malta in October or November? Here are the best things to do.
Have a picnic by the sea
On a nice autumn day, you can enjoy a swim at one of Malta’s beautiful sandy beaches, like Paradise Bay and Ghadira in Mellieha, Gnejna in Mgarr, or Golden Bay and Riviera Bay in Ghajn Tuffieha. If the sea’s a bit too cold or rough, have a picnic instead!
Go on a coastal walk
Autumn is a great time for hiking in Malta. Since October is generally a warm month, you can pair a hike with a swim.
I highly recommend going on a nice coastal walk in offbeat places like Mistra, Dingli Cliffs, Fomm ir-Rih, and Mtahleb.
Best autumn festivals & events in Malta
One of the largest events in the Maltese calendar is Notte Bianca. This annual event takes place in October (normally first weekend of the month), in the historic city of Valletta.
Notte Bianca is a celebration of local art, culture and history, with several performances, events and exhibitions hosted in various sites across the city.
Another not-to-miss event is Birgu Fest, or Birgu by Candlelight. Birgu is an old port city that’s home to several historic buildings, including the Inquisitor’s Palace and Fort St. Angelo.
Every year, Birgu’s street lights are switched off for two nights and its beautiful, winding streets are lit up with candles. This event tends to be very crowded, so I highly recommend getting there around 6pm and having an early dinner before setting off to explore the candlelit streets.
Visiting Malta in winter
Despite having mild winters, Malta is very quiet in winter. The average day temperature in winter is about 15 degrees, while the nights tend to be a bit chilly.
Long sunny spells are also common in winter, making this season perfect for picnics, hiking and just exploring Malta’s beautiful towns.
Plus, winter is probably the cheapest time to go to Malta.
If you’re visiting Malta in winter, expect some heavy rain and storms. Additionally, it might be difficult to plan a trip to Gozo as the ferries do not operate if the sea’s too rough.
Best things to do in Malta in winter
Still want to visit Malta in winter? Here are the best things to do on sunny days, and rainy ones!
Get off the beaten path
Malta may be a small, densely populated island, but there are several hiking trails to explore. Winter is the best time to go hiking in Malta, when the hills and fields are an emerald green.
Some of the most beautiful places in Malta for hiking include the Victoria Lines walking trail in central Malta, Wied Babu near Hagar Qim Temples and Bahrija, a rural area near Rabat which is home to a Bronze Village and ancient tombs.
Explore Valletta’s coffee scene
If the weather’s bad but you don’t want to spend all day cooped up in your room, head to Valletta for a coffee crawl. The capital is teeming with coffee shops, from traditional cafes where you can enjoy some pastizzi, to quirky places with artisan roasts.
Best winter festivals & events in Malta
If you’re visiting Malta in December, make sure to visit Valletta in the evening to enjoy the colourful Christmas lights. There’s also a Christmas village at the main city gate.
The largest New Year’s Eve party on the island takes place in Valletta. This a free national event, held every year. The Valletta NYE Celebrations are held in the beautiful streets and squares of the city.
Malta also celebrates Carnival. In fact, this is one of the most popular events on the island.
The main Carnival celebrations are held in Valletta, where large, colourful floats are paraded through the streets, accompanied by dancers in flamboyant costumes.
For a truly offbeat cultural experience, head to the Nadur Carnival in Gozo, which is an adults only event due to its uncensored and often grotesque costumes.
Visiting Malta in spring
There are many reasons you should visit Malta in spring: beautiful weather, delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables, just to name a few.
May is a great time to go for a swim as the days are warm enough and the beaches are not yet busy.
Windy days are very common in springtime, but they are rarely accompanied by heavy rain or storms.
The Easter period is normally quite busy, so try to avoid visiting Malta during the two-week spring holidays.
Best things to do in Malta during spring
There’s so much happening in Malta in spring! Here are some of the best things to do.
Visit a farmers market
Malta produces a variety of delicious fruits and vegetables in spring, including strawberries, cherries, broad beans and peas.
If you want to sample some local produce, head to the Farmers Market in Ta’ Qali, or visit Vincent’s Eco-farm in Mgarr, a certified organic farm.
Stroll through the gardens in Valletta and Floriana
If you’re visiting Malta in spring, try to pop into the beautiful gardens in Valletta and Floriana. Go for a nice stroll through the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the views over the Grand Harbour, or enjoy a wee rest in the quiet Hastings Gardens.
If you want to explore a little-known place just outside Valletta, take a trip to the beautiful Argotti Botanical Garden in Floriana, or the Msida Bastion Historic Garden, which served as a Protestant cemetery in the 19th century.
Best spring festivals & events in Malta
Planning to visit Malta in Easter? Check out the country’s traditional Easter events, including Last Supper displays in various churches across Malta and the much-loved Good Friday processions held in different towns.
Another popular spring celebration is the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19, which is also a public holiday. This feast is celebrated in Rabat (Malta) with processions, fireworks and marching bands.
Other amazing spring events in Malta include the Strawberry Festival in Mgarr (April or May) and the Malta International Fireworks Festival (April).
So when is the best time to visit Malta? Spring!
As a local, I love springtime in Malta. The weather is just wonderful, with long sunny days and breezy evenings.
Plus, there are many amazing things to do in Malta during this time of year. March and April are perfect for picnics and hiking, while in May the days are warm enough for a swim.
My favourite thing about spring in Malta is the seasonal produce. Local strawberries are super delicious, and I love snacking on fresh beans and peas.
This is also a great time for exploring historical attractions in Malta. While some places can be a bit busy, especially during the Easter holidays, you don’t have to worry about the weather being too hot or rainy.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure about the best time to visit Malta? Let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Is Malta cheap to visit?
It depends. If you’re visiting Malta in summer or during the Easter holidays, accommodation may be a little expensive.
The cheapest time to go to Malta is winter (January and February). Visiting Malta in November can be a cost-effective option, too.
Is there a rainy season in Malta?
Yes!
Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in Malta – and it can be quite biblical!
Rainy season starts in October. November tends to be quite wet, but December is usually dry.
January and February can be very cold and wet.
Is October a good time to visit Malta?
Apart from spring, October is possibly the best time to visit Malta. The weather is a little cooler, and we get a lot of sunny days throughout the month.
In fact, October is also the best time to go swimming in Malta – the beaches are quieter, the water cleaner, and the sun gentler.
However, you might get a few rainy days if you visit in October.
Can you sunbathe in Malta in October?
Yes! If you’re visiting Malta in October, you can spend a couple of days on the beach. It’s still warm enough for a swim, and you might even get a tan!
